Towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus

ABSTRACT

The towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus provides for an apparatus designed to be inserted between a pulling vehicle and a towed roping dummy when practicing team roping from horseback. The apparatus provides for modulation of jerks and forces on the dummy that cause strain on the vehicle, dummy and horse, as well as providing for more consistent speed when being towed.

This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisionalapplication Ser. Nos. 61/574,247 and 61/663,342, which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Applicant's invention relates to a device for a towed roping dummy shockabsorption apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a device thatreacts to applied pressure and forces on a roping dummy as it is towedand roped.

Background Information

Roping cattle from horseback is a historical process that manyrecognize. Branding and doctoring the cattle necessitated that cowboyscapture the animals, and early ranches where this process completedwithout the benefit or aid or pens and specialized shoots necessitated avery specific skill of the cowboys, as well as necessitating specializedequipment. Part of this specialized equipment included development ofthe western saddle. These skills and equipment in practice in manyplaces yet today.

Many people are also familiar with the transition that was made of thevarious roping styles to rodeo events. One of the roping styles thatfound its way to the rodeo arena, and continues to grow in popularity,is the sport of team roping. Team roping, as its name implies, is anevent that is completed by two ropers. The first roper, called theheader, ropes the animals first and either ropes the animal around theneck or, more preferably, around the horns. The second roper, called thehealer, waits for the header to slow the animal and turn the animal atan approximate 90-degree angle before roping the animal's hind legs.

In a typical rodeo run, the steer is placed in a starting gate called ashoot. Behind the shoot is a three-sided area called the box in whichthe header and healer start on their horses. Traditionally, the headerand healer were in a double-box to the rear and on the right side of thesteer. However, in the last few decades, it has become most common thatthe header starts in a box to the rear and on the left side of thesteer, while the healer starts in a box to the rear and on the rightside of the steer. The header calls for the steer to be released bynodding his head or otherwise indicating his readiness. The steer isgiven a designated head start, called a score, and the ropers (or atleast the header) are required to wait in the box until the steerreaches a certain point, at which time they can leave the box in pursuitof the steer.

Once the ropers leave the box, their horses chase the steer an attemptto close the distance between the animals. As the header gets closer tothe steer, he generally attempts to arrive to the rear of the animalclose enough to rope it and slightly to its left. Meanwhile, the healerrates his horse back and to the right of the steer such that he is readyto close the gap after the header ropes, but also he can attempt to helpkeep the steer from ducking to the right.

Once the roper has gotten close enough to the steer to rope, he ropesthe steer around the horns or neck and pulls his slack to tighten theloop around the steer's horns. He then takes a couple of wraps aroundhis saddle horn with the free end of the rope (the “dally”) so that thesteer is effectively attached by the rope to the saddle of the horse andrider. The header then signals his horse to slow which also slows thesteer slightly. Then he turns his head horse off to the left atapproximately a 90-degree angle such that the steer is then pulled tothe left as well. Once the steer changes directions, the healer is thenallowed to take his throw at the heels of the steer. He attempts to ropeboth hind feet, although roping one hind foot is a legal catch as well,albeit one with a penalty. Once the healer ropes the hind feet, hedallies his rope as well and stops his horse. The header continues untilhe takes the slack out of his rope, and then turns his horse to face thesteer, leaving the steer immobilized between the two horses.

The western saddle was traditionally, and is still, used on workinghorses on cattle ranches throughout the United States, particularly inthe west. They are the “cowboy” saddles familiar to movie viewers androdeo fans. The western saddle is characterized as allowing greatfreedom of movement to the horse, and security to the rider and strongcontrol of the horse. One extremely functional item is virtually alwaysidentified with the western saddle—the saddle “horn.”

As is evident from the description of team roping above, the saddle hornis integral to roping cattle, whether it is in team roping as describedabove, or in branding, doctoring, tie-down calf roping, or otherinstances in which an animal is roped and snubbed to the roper's saddle.The saddle horn allows cowboys to control cattle by use of a rope aroundthe neck, horns, or legs of the animal, tied or dallied around the horn.A “dally” is the term for when the rope is wrapped around the horn,without a knot, to cinch the bovine to the saddle. The free end of therope is wrapped around the horn and held by the cowboy.

As in any sport, practice is a big part of learning and perfecting aroper's abilities. Practicing in a “live” situation—roping steers fromhorseback in a rodeo arena—is generally considered the best type ofpractice. However, for a variety of reasons various types of mechanicalaids have been developed. One of the most popular is a roping “dummy.”Many variations of roping dummies have been developed. One of thesetypes is a towed dummy. Generally, a towed dummy is pulled by amotorized vehicle, such as an ATV, tractor, or the like, although theycan also be towed by a horse or other towing vehicle.

Towed roping dummies are designed to more accurately duplicate a liveroping run than a stationary dummy, but providing a controlledenvironment for horse training and roping practice. Because the dummymay be towed at a desired speed, the run may be tailored to the skill ordesire of the individual roper or horse. It also allows the roper topractice in a more controlled environment and complete multiplerealistic practice runs without using live cattle.

The towed dummy allows the roper to follow the dummy on his or her horseat a given speed, rope the heels of the dummy, then stop the horse. Theforward motion of the dummy applies tightening pressure on the dummy andresistance to the horse until the towing vehicle stops, just as in alive run. However, unlike a live run, the power of the towing vehicleand the inelastic nature of the mechanical devices (towing vehicle anddummy) tend to exert a strong pull on the horse as it stops. Further, inorder to mimic a live roping run, the towing vehicle will generallydrive in an arc or “L” shaped pattern. This turn causes jolts and jerkson the dummy rather than a smooth, more life-like team roping run.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a shock absorbing device design to smooth thetowing and roping of a towed roping dummy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of the roping dummy shock absorber.

FIG. 2. is a cut-away, exploded, perspective view of the roping dummyshock absorber.

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of the springs of the roping dummy shockabsorber.

FIG. 4. is a front, perspective view of the roping dummy shock absorber.

FIG. 5. is a perspective view of the roping dummy shock absorber as itwould be connected to the dummy and the towing vehicle.

FIG. 6. a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the roping dummyshock absorber as it would be incorporated into the dummy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Ref. No. Object 10 Roping Dummy Shock Absorber 12 Tube 14 Moto-Side EndCap 16 Dummy-Side End Cap 18 Lubricant Nozzle 20 Rod  20A Rod FirstSpring Set Section  20B Rod Second Spring Set Section  20C Rod ThirdSpring Set Section 22 Tang 24 Tang Aperture 26 Hitch 28 Hitch Aperture30 Turn Stop 32 Stop Bumper 34 Stop Bumper Connector  36A FirstSpring-Stop  36B Second Spring-Stop 38 Rod Endpiece 40 Rod Aperture 50First Spring 52 Second Spring 54 Third Spring 56 Fourth Spring 58 FifthSpring 60 Sixth Spring 100  Dummy 102  Sled 104  Tow Bar 106  DummyHitch 108  Moto Tang

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1. illustrates a perspective view of theroping dummy shock absorber. The roping dummy shock absorber 10 iscomprised of a hollow tube 12 that is closed at the first open end—theend that would generally be nearest to the dummy hitch 106 when inuse—by an attached first, or dummy-side, end cap 16. The second open endof the hollow tube 12—the end which would generally be nearest to themoto tang 108 when in use—is closed by an attached second, or moto-side,end cap 14. A rod 20 extends from the inside of the tube 12 through arod aperture 40—which is sized to allow the rod to slide through it—inthe dummy-side end cap 16. In a preferred embodiment, the rod 20 is ashaft with a diameter or width of from ¼ inch to 1½ inches. On the firstend of the rod 20 outside the tube 12, a first hitch apparatus isattached. The first hitch apparatus is removably attachable to a hitchon a dummy 106—where “removably attachable” is defined to mean that theoperative purpose of the device is to attach and detach without damagingthe device. The first hitch apparatus may be comprised of a tang 22 orother type of hitch that is removably attachable to the dummy hitch 106.The tang 22 allows the roping dummy shock absorber 10 to be hitched tothe dummy hitch 106. As shown, the vehicle and dummy hitches are clevistype hitches, however it is anticipated that other styles of hitchescould be incorporated. In order to allow a clevis pin to attach the tang22 to the dummy hitch 106, the tang 22 has a tang aperture 24 sized soas to allow a clevis pin (not shown) to slide through the tang aperture24. In a preferred embodiment the tang 22 is approximately ⅜ inch thick,flat steel and the tang aperture 24 has a diameter of approximately 9/16inches.

On the vehicle side of the roping dummy shock absorber 10, a secondhitch 26 is attached to the moto-side end cap 14. The second hitch 26 isshown as a clevis type hitch and has hitch apertures 28, sized so as toallow a clevis pin (not shown) to slide through the hitch apertures 28.In a preferred embodiment the hitch 26 is approximately ⅜ inch thick,flat steel and the hitch apertures 28 have diameters of approximately9/16 inches.

Two opposing turn stops 30 are attached to the moto-side end cap 14. Theturn stops 30 prevent the dummy 100 from “jack-knifing” or turning intoa too extreme angle with the towing vehicle. In effect, the turn stopsrestrict the horizontal rotation of the shock absorption apparatus inrelation to the towing vehicle. The turn stops 30 may have stop bumpers32 attached to them via stop bumper connectors 34. The stop bumpers 32pad contact between the moto-tang 108 and the roping dummy shockabsorber 10, and are generally rubber or other elastic material.

In order to aid movement inside the tube 12, one or more lubricantnozzles 18 may be provided along the tube 12. The lubricant nozzles 18are in operative communication with the interior of the tube and providea path for lubricants to be inserted into the interior of the tube 12while preventing the lubricants from escaping from the tube 12, or dirtor debris from entering the tube 12.

FIG. 2. shows a cut-away, exploded, perspective view of the roping dummyshock absorber. It is preferable that the rod 20 does not rotate duringoperation. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment the tube 12 is ahollow, non-circular or square tube. Other tube shapes could be usedthat have angles sufficient for the corners of the rod endpiece 38 tostop rotation of the rod 20. It is also anticipated that “stops” couldbe inserted into the tube 12 to contact the rod 20, or pieces attachedto the rod 20, or the rod 20 and the rod aperture 40 shaped and sized toprevent rotation of the rod 20. However, it is likewise anticipated thatthe tube 12 could be round and the rod 20 allowed to rotate. The rod 20is inserted through the rod aperture 40 and into the interior of thetube 12. Rod 20 has an interior portion with a first end inside theinterior of the tube 12, and an exterior portion with a second endoutside of the tube 12. Inside the tube 12, a rod endpiece 38 isattached to the end of the rod 20. The rod endpiece 38 provides a wallfor the springs (50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60) to push against. Further,the rod endpiece 38 is sized and shaped to fit into and slide within thetube 12, but also to prevent the rod 20 from rotating. In the preferredembodiment, the tube 12 is constructed from 3 inch×3 inch hollow steeltube, and the rod endpiece 38 is constructed from 3/16 inch thick flatsteel that is approximately 2¾ inches square.

Along the interior portion of the rod 20, inside the tube 12, a firstspring-stop 36A and a second spring-stop 36B are slidably attachedaround the diameter of the rod 20. The first spring-stop 36A and thedummy-side end cap 16 create a rod first spring set section 20A. Thefirst spring-stop 36A and the second spring-stop 36B create a rod secondspring set section 20B. And the second spring-stop 36B and the rodendpiece 38 create a rod third spring set section 20C. The rod springset sections 20A, 20B and 20C are sections along the length of theinterior portion of rod 20. Springs 50 and 52 are placed about rodspring set section 20A. Springs 54 and 56 are placed about rod springset section 20B. Springs 58 and 60 are placed about rod spring setsection 20C. The dummy-side end cap 16, the spring-stops 36A and 36B,and the rod endpiece 38 provide solid supports against which the coiledsprings (50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60) may compress and push. Thespring-stops 36A and 36B are able to slide along the interior portion ofrod 20.

FIG. 3. illustrates the straight, coiled springs (50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and60) of the roping dummy shock absorber. The springs (50, 52, 54, 56, 58and 60) are inserted around the rod 20. The springs (50, 52, 54, 56, 58and 60) have varying spring rates or spring constants. This allows theroping dummy shock absorber 10 to provide varying force against the pullof the dummy on the towing vehicle based upon how hard the dummy istowed and pulled when roped. In a preferred embodiment, springs (50, 52,54, 56, 58 and 60) have the following characteristics:

Spring Ref. Coil Spring Outer Inner Wire Free Solid Rate No. Shape PitchDiameter Diameter Diameter Length Height lbs/in 50 Straight Constant2.34 1.84 0.25 3.0 1.5 153 52 Straight Constant 1.94 1.44 .25 6 3.22 10854 Straight Constant 1.23 .901 .162 4 2.05 78 56 Straight Constant 1.941.52 .207 6 2.41 53 58 Straight Constant 1.4 1.05 .177 5 2.32 69 60Straight Constant 2.34 1.84 0.25 3.0 1.5 153

When a force is placed upon the rod 20 which tends to pull the rod 20outwardly through the rod aperture 40, the springs act in opposition tothe force. The multiple springs provide variable resistance and springrate as the rod 20 extends or retracts from the tube 12. It isanticipated that alternatives to coiled springs could be used in theroping dummy shock absorber 10, such as elastomers, air or gas, or oilor minimally compressible fluid in order to provide variable resistance,rebound and damping in similar force as the coiled springs.

FIG. 4. illustrates the rod's 20 insertion into the roping dummy shockabsorber 10 through the rod aperture 40.

FIG. 5. illustrates the roping dummy shock absorber 10 as it would beconnected between the dummy 100 and the towing vehicle (not shown). Itis also anticipated that the roping dummy shock absorber 10 could bereversed in relation to the towing vehicle (not shown) and dummy 100. Inother words, the rod 20 would attach to the towing vehicle (not shown)while the hitch 26 or moto end of the tube 12 would be attached to thetow bar 104.

FIG. 6. shows a first alternative embodiment in which the roping dummyshock absorber 10 is incorporated into the tow bar 104, thus making theroping dummy shock absorber 10 part of the manufacture of the dummy 100.In such an alternative embodiment, the tube 12 or moto-side end cap isconnected to the tow bar 104, or the end of the tow bar 104 would serveas the tube 12.

In a second alternative embodiment, it is anticipated that the ropingdummy shock absorber 10 could be incorporated into the tow bar 104, byincorporating rod 20 into the tow bar 104, such that the end of the towbar 104 would serve as rod 20.

In each of these alternative embodiments, it is anticipated that certainmodifications to the configurations of the parts of the roping dummyshock absorber 10 would be required, however basic elements wouldremain.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A shock absorption apparatus for use between a roping dummyand a towing vehicle, comprising: a hollow tube having a first end and asecond end; a first end cap attached to said first end, said first endcap having a rod aperture through the approximate center of said endfirst end cap; an elongated rod; wherein said aperture is sized to allowsaid rod to slide through said aperture and said rod slidably extendsthrough said rod aperture, and said rod having a first end inside ofsaid tube and a second end outside of said tube; a second end capattached to said tube second end; a rod endpiece attached to said rodfirst end, said rod endpiece shaped and sized so as to allow it to moveslidably through the interior of said tube; a second springstop slidablyattached to said rod, wherein a rod third springset section extendsbetween said rod endpiece and said second springstop; a first springaround said rod third springset section, wherein when a force is placedupon said rod which tends to pull said rod outwardly through said rodaperture said first spring acts in opposition to said force; a firsthitch apparatus attached to said first end of said rod outside saidtube, wherein said first hitch apparatus is removably attachable to saidtowing vehicle; and said second end of said tube incorporated into a towbar of said roping dummy such that an end of said tow bar serves as saidtube.
 2. The shock absorption apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a first springstop slidably attached to said rod, wherein a rod secondspringset section extends between said second springstop and said firstspringstop; and a second spring around said rod second springsetsection, wherein when a force is placed upon said rod which tends topull said rod outwardly through said rod aperture said second springacts in opposition to said force.
 3. The shock absorption apparatus ofclaim 2, further comprising: a rod first springset section extendingbetween said first springstop and said first end cap; and a third springaround said rod first springset section, wherein when a force is placedupon said rod which tends to pull said rod outwardly through said rodaperture said third spring acts in opposition to said force.
 4. Theshock absorption apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a fourthspring around said rod third springset section.
 5. The shock absorptionapparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a fourth spring around saidrod third springset section; and a fifth spring around said rod secondspringset section.
 6. The shock absorption apparatus of claim 5, furthercomprising: a sixth spring around said rod first springset section. 7.The shock absorption apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a pair ofopposing turn stops attached to said a first hitch apparatus, whereinsaid turn stops restrict the horizontal rotation of said shockabsorption apparatus in relation to said towing vehicle.
 8. The shockabsorption apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a lubricant nozzleattached to said tube and in operative communication with the interiorof said tube.
 9. A shock absorption apparatus for use between a ropingdummy and a towing vehicle, comprising: a hollow tube having a first endand a second end; a first end cap attached to said first end, said firstend cap having a rod aperture through the approximate center of said endfirst end cap; an elongated rod; wherein said aperture is sized to allowsaid rod to slide through said aperture and said rod slidably extendsthrough said rod aperture, and said rod having a first end inside ofsaid tube and a second end outside of said tube a second end capattached to said tube second end, wherein said tube second end and saidsecond cap is attached, but not removably attached, to said ropingdummy; a rod endpiece attached to said rod first end, said rod endpieceshaped and sized so as to allow it to move slidably through the interiorof said tube; a second springstop slidably attached to said rod, whereina rod third springset section extends between said rod endpiece and saidsecond springstop; a first spring around said rod third springsetsection, wherein when a force is placed upon said rod which tends topull said rod outwardly through said rod aperture said first spring actsin opposition to said force; and a hitch apparatus attached to saidsecond end of said rod, wherein said hitch apparatus is removablyattachable to said towing vehicle.
 10. The shock absorption apparatus ofclaim 9, further comprising: a first springstop slidably attached tosaid rod, wherein a rod second springset section extends between saidsecond springstop and said first springstop; and a second spring aroundsaid rod second springset section, wherein when a force is placed uponsaid rod which tends to pull said rod outwardly through said rodaperture said third spring acts in opposition to said force.
 11. Theshock absorption apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a rod firstspringset section extending between said first springstop and said firstend cap; and a third spring around said rod first springset section,wherein when a force is placed upon said rod which tends to pull saidrod outwardly through said rod aperture said first spring acts inopposition to said force.
 12. The shock absorption apparatus of claim10, further comprising: a fourth spring around said rod third springsetsection.
 13. The shock absorption apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising: a fourth spring around said rod third springset section; anda fifth spring around said rod second springset section.
 14. The shockabsorption apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a sixth springaround said rod first springset section.
 15. The shock absorptionapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a lubricant nozzle attached tosaid tube and in operative communication with the interior of said tube.